Sexual Assault Prevention

Prevention & Intervention

The Oregon Tech campus will not tolerate crimes of a sexual nature in any form, including sexual assault, rape and acquaintance rape. Oregon Tech provides sexual-assault prevention training through the Health Educator under the auspices of the Student Health Center. Additionally, Campus Safety provides training on the subject to interested campus organizations.

Where there is probable cause to believe that campus regulations prohibiting sexual misconduct have been violated, the university will pursue strong disciplinary actions through its own channels. This discipline includes the possibility of suspension or expulsion from the university under the Student Conduct Code. A student charged with sexual misconduct may also be prosecuted under Oregon criminal statutes. If the criminal-justice authorities choose not to prosecute, the university may still choose to pursue disciplinary actions.

During the review of the complaint, the complaining party has the right not to have his/her sexual history discussed and to have a person of his/her choosing present at the proceedings. Complaints will be handled in accordance with OAR Chapter 578, Division 33. Complaints are assured to maximum possible anonymity. Retaliation against a complainant is prohibited by federal and state law.

Disciplinary procedures are detailed in Chapter 5 of the Oregon Tech Student Conduct Code. In cases of an alleged sexual offense, the accused and the accuser are entitled to have others present during disciplinary proceedings. The accused and the accuser will be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary action alleging a sex offense. The outcome of a disciplinary action means only the final determination with respect to the alleged sex offense and any sanction that is imposed against the accused.

Stranger rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual assaults are crimes against persons and the state. Victims of these crimes are encouraged to report the incident to police authorities and to seek medical attention. These steps protect the right of future prosecution and provide medical evidence if the case is prosecuted. The risk of sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy are also concerns to which health professionals can respond.

In addition to, or instead of, reporting to the police, the victim has the right to report incidents of rape and sexual assault to university authorities. This report may be made to Campus Safety, Resident Hall staff, the Student Health Center, the Campus Access Director, Dean of Students or Vice President for Student Affairs.

A variety of services are available to meet the needs of students who have been involved with an incident of rape or sexual assault. Oregon Tech is committed to supporting the victim to minimize consequences of the assault. Campus officials will modify the victims academic and living situations, if changes are requested by the victim and are reasonable available. Additionally, Oregon Tech staff members will assist the victim in notifying appropriate authorities at the victim’s request.

Counseling Services provides free, confidential counseling to students on various issues, including rape and sexual assault. Students who have experienced such assaults are encouraged to speak with a counselor.

Oregon Tech’s Student Health Center is available to meet the medical needs of students who have been victimized.

The Student Affairs Office maintains the Student Affairs Hotline 541.891.0648 to provide connections to campus and community resources. Sexual assaults may also be reported to this number.

The Rape Crisis Team of the Klamath Crisis Center is also available for advocacy and consultation. Advocacy may include emotional support accompanying the victim through medical procedures and police interviews, and providing information, referral, crisis counseling and other support. The 24-hour hotline is 541-884-0390.

Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (CSCPA), which became law Oct. 28, 2000, but which delayed certain provisions until Oct. 28, 2002, amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act. CSCPA provides special requirements relating to registration and community notification for sex offenders who are enrolled in or work at institution of higher education. In addition to the Wetterling Act, CSCPA also amended the Clery Act, an annual crime-reporting law, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) to allow the disclosure of this information regarding students.

As provided in the Wetterling Act, any person required to register under a state sex-offender program must notify the state regarding each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. They also must alert the state of any change in enrollment or employment status.

Under current state law, computerized sex-offender information can be obtained through local law-enforcement agencies and the Oregon State Police through the sex offender registration information line at 503-378-3720, ext. 4429. This computerized database can access sex offender information by name, address, zip code or county.

Additionally, Oregon Tech Campus Safety will maintain a list of sex-offenders who have been required to report their sexual-offender status to the institution under federal and/or state law.

Sexual Harassment

All Forms of sexual harassment are a violation of federal law (Title VII and Title IX) and OAR 578-033-0220. Oregon Tech strives to provide a respectful environment of all of its citizens. Sexual harassment of students, faculty or staff by any member of the university community is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Abuse of positions of economic, supervisory or academic power is oppressive and will be regarded as sexual harassment. Sex discrimination, a form of sexual harassment, also is a violation of law and administrative rule.

If you believe you are being harassed, please contact the Affirmative Action Officer at 541.885.1108. Complaints are assured maximum possible anonymity. Complaints are handled in accordance with OIT Policy 21-25; retaliation also is prohibited.